McIntosh appointed to diversity post

May 17, 2013 by Jeremiah McNichols

The Texas A&M Health Science Center (TAMHSC) College of Medicine has named David McIntosh to the position of assistant dean for diversity. The role is the first in the college’s 34-year history to be focused exclusively on issues of diversity.

A seasoned former administrator of diversity initiatives at Texas A&M University, McIntosh will work closely with a wide variety of administrators, as well as faculty, staff, and students at the medical school.

“I have found that it is it is important that we consciously weave diversity into all of the work we do and decisions we make, so that diversity can become an embedded part of our culture,” McIntosh said. “My philosophy is that diversity and excellence are inextricably intertwined – that is, that is that an organization is performing at its best only when it seeks to include, welcome, and support all people and perspectives, and in particular those that have been traditionally underrepresented. To effectively train Texas’ next generation of doctors, we must not only strive to reflect diversity in presence, but in our campus culture, the paths we identify to help students reach medical school, and the way we consider diversity in our day-to-day operations.”

As the college’s first dean dedicated exclusively to issues of diversity, McIntosh is no stranger to “firsts.” Prior to his appointment at TAMHSC-COM, McIntosh served in Texas A&M University’s Office of the Vice President and Associate Provost for Diversity’s office as the university’s first Coordinator for Campus Diversity Initiatives, and then as the its first Director for Diversity Initiatives.

“Texas A&M is becoming known as a leader when it comes to the administrative handling of issues of diversity and accountability. This is due in large part to the university’s Diversity Plan, which holds academic and administrative units accountable for their diversity goals.”

“This position is truly an exciting opportunity for not only me in my new role, but for the entire TAMHSC-College of Medicine,” McIntosh said. “We have the ability to make an important contribution to diversity not only within these walls, but statewide and nationally.”

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